LILY PETERS CASE: COUSIN PLEADS GUILTY AND IS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — More than four years after 10-year-old Lily Peters was found dead in Wisconsin, her teenage cousin has pleaded guilty to her killing and been sentenced to life in prison.

Carson Peters-Berger, now 18, appeared in Chippewa County Court on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide in connection with Lily’s 2022 death. Judge Steven Gibbs accepted the plea and sentenced him to life in prison, with eligibility for extended supervision after 25 years.

LILY DISAPPEARED ON HER WAY HOME

Lily was reported missing on April 24, 2022, after she failed to return home from her aunt’s house in Chippewa Falls.

Her bicycle was discovered near a wooded area, triggering a massive search involving local authorities and members of the community.

The following morning, investigators found Lily’s body near the Duncan Creek walking trail.

Peters-Berger was just 14 years old at the time.

CASE ENDS WITHOUT A TRIAL

Peters-Berger had originally pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to face trial in November 2026.

Instead, prosecutors and the defense reached an agreement that brought the case to a resolution hearing.

Under the plea agreement, Peters-Berger pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide. Two sexual-assault charges were dismissed but read into the record, allowing the allegations to be considered during sentencing.

His attorneys had previously fought to have the case moved to juvenile court, arguing that he was a teenager at the time of the crime and had significant psychological and childhood issues.

The effort was unsuccessful, and Peters-Berger was ultimately prosecuted as an adult.

FAMILY SPEAKS ABOUT LILY’S LOSS

Members of Lily’s family addressed the court during the sentencing hearing, describing the lasting impact her death has had on them and the wider community.

Some expressed concerns about Peters-Berger eventually becoming eligible for extended supervision after 25 years.

Peters-Berger himself said little during the hearing beyond entering his guilty plea.

Lily was remembered by loved ones as a joyful fourth-grader who loved riding her bike, playing in the snow and spending time with friends.

A poem she wrote before her death included wishes for people to be kinder to one another and for peace in the world.

A CASE THAT SHOCKED WISCONSIN

The case drew national attention because of the ages of both Lily and the person responsible for her death.

Peters-Berger was arrested shortly after Lily was found and remained in custody for more than four years while the legal proceedings continued.

His guilty plea means the long-awaited trial will no longer take place.

For Lily’s family, however, the sentence cannot erase the loss of a 10-year-old girl whose life ended far too soon.

After more than four years of court proceedings, the case has finally reached its sentencing chapter. Carson Peters-Berger will spend life in prison, with eligibility for extended supervision after 25 years, while Lily Peters’ loved ones continue to remember the little girl whose life was taken in 2022.